Rainbow Belly Pipefish?

[Paperlantern4]

Does anyone have experience with these FW pipefish? The scientific name is Microphis Deocata, and they are quite stunning. Here is a picture of one;



I can't seem to find much information online, are these even available in the pet trade? I've mostly just seen Dorithys Martensii available for sale at places like Live Aquaria.com. Any ideas?

 

[fwprawn]

WOW!

 

[bottles]

I rarely see them pop up, but I have kept them in the past.
That is a photo of a male carrying eggs. They can be bread in aquariums. They need very calm/still waters. They require live food; I would start a couple cultures of daphnia. You can keep them with freshwater shrimp, and I have heard that they will pluck the eggs from under berried shrimp. Aside from shrimp and snails, they do best in a species only tank. Mine would lurk in floating water sprite most of the day, constantly looking for food.
Most of the available pipefish species are brackish, however, this is a fully freshwater species.

 

[Paperlantern4]

Bottles,

I'm guessing then, this Pipefish would not do well with an Elephant Nose fish, correct?

 

[bottles]

Correct. It would be very difficult to find suitable tankmates for them.

 

[Paperlantern4]

I guess they aren't a good fit for me, then. Still, beautiful fish. Thanks for the information! I learn something new every day

 

[bottles]

You're welcome.
Think of it as a good excuse to setup a planted 20g.

 

[USMCVET]

I'm looking to purchase several Rainbow Belly Pipefish. However, I cannot find them available ANYWHERE....
I would even settle for a different variant of Microphis Deocata if the Rainbow Belly isn't possible to find.
Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
John

 

[ichthyogeek]

Following because same eventually; although my main interest is in Doryichthys martensii tbh.

U USMCVET , some fish are incredibly seasonal. it might be a long while (up to a year) before you find them. But when you do, let me know!!!!

 

[Joat]

Also very interested in these, setup a 40b specific for them, been cycling for about a month, plants are starting to grow in nicely